Education

The birth of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib had been the source of enormous universal

contention. The truth of the claim of the Promised Messiah [as] depended on the long and successful life of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib. Hence, this child certainly deserved that his father should leave no stone unturned for the provision of his health, security, education and training. But it is astonishing that no such step was taken by the Promised Messiah [as]. He did not pay any special attention to the health and protection of the child, nor were any special arrangements made for his education and training.

Neither was it the case that the child was healthy and strong nor was he clever in class, requiring no special attention. On the contrary, this was a weak and feeble child whose health in no way could be considered enviable. Before his birth all other children born to his mother had died in their infancy. The malady he suffered of a chronic inflammatory eye infection was not only a physical problem but was also creating difficulty in his education. Because of the eye infection he often missed school. Even when he did attend, he was unable to give proper attention to his lessons. As a result his childhood education cannot be called satisfactory according to any worldly standard. It is an important psychological question that a man who makes a prophecy of the birth of a son that he will have a long life and great scholarship, if he had contrived it and it had nothing to do with divine glad tidings, then what should be his course of action for the arrangement and supervision for the education of his children. It was no ordinary matter, as the eyes of all friends and foes were focused upon this child. However, it is astonishing that Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] showed no anxiety over this. Other than his rejoicing greatly at the completion of reading the Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an by Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib [ra] we see no specific interest in his education shown by the Promised Messiah [as].

As was customary at the time, the education of Sahibzada Sahib at home was to familiarise him with the alphabet and teaching him the Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an. The Promised Messiah [as] appointed Hafiz Ahmad Naghpoori for this purpose. One can deduce something of the great love the Promised Messiah [as] had for the Holy Qur’an when Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib finished the first reading of the Arabic text. The Promised Messiah [as] organised a large function for this occasion and to show his gratitude rewarded Hafiz sahib with Rs.150, which in those days was a large sum of money. The gathering not only comprised those living in Qadian. Many other people who Huzur was acquainted with were invited. They came from near and they came from afar. It was a very blessed gathering.

Apart from this Huzur wrote a benedictory comprising prayer, ‘Ameen’ that was read during a Jalsa (Gathering). The study of this Ameen is very enlightening. Some verses from it are presented below: All Praise be unto Him Who is the everlasting. None is His equal, nor is anyone like unto Him. He remains for ever, the rest is transient To love others than Him, is a mere fantasy, He alone is my heart’s desire, I know none other, My heart exclaims: Holy is He Who keeps me in sight. No way can I thank Thee All that is mine is Thine

You have filled my abode with all Thy favours With the advent of Thy light, gone is all darkness Bless this day Ye Who keeps me in sight Oh Ye All-Powerful protect us from all catastrophes. We have come to Thy abode. We have pledged faith in Thee

Our hearts are free of all others since we came to know Thee. Bless this day Ye Who keeps me in sight Grace with acceptance all my prayers Lord I am all for Thee, help us my Lord we have come to Thy abode with great expectations.

Bless this day Ye Who keeps me in sight. 21

Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] was enrolled into school for formal education after the first reading of the Holy Qur’an. Along with this he was provided Urdu and English tuition at home. Hadhrat Pir Manzoor Muhammad sahib [ra] taught him Urdu and thereafter Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali sahib [ra] taught him English. We can better gauge the circumstances in which all this took place from Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] himself.

POOR HEALTH And POOR SCHOOL ATTEndAnCE

Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] states that regarding his education he owes the greatest debt to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra]. He was only too aware on account of being a physician, that due to the poor health of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib, it was not possible for him to look at a book for any length of time. Hence, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] would sit him down next to him and instruct him to listen while he read aloud. From an early age Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib continuously suffered from an eye infection, a condition he endured for almost four years. At one point this had become so chronic that the doctors predicted complete loss of sight.

In this state of affairs Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] began to offer special prayers for his son’s health and complemented these with voluntary fasting. Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] could not recall whether he kept three or seven fasts. When he put a morsel of food in his mouth to break his final fast, Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood

at once opened his eyes and shouted, ‘I can see!’ However, he lost most of the sight in his left eye due to the intensity of this ailment and its immutable presence. He was unable to read with this eye and could recognise only a familiar face at a distance of four feet. Only his right eye functioned but even that developed infection and became so severe that it kept him awake night after night.

The Promised Messiah [as] had instructed his teachers to let him study on his own volition without any compulsion because his fragile health would not tolerate the burden. The Promised Messiah [as] kept reminding him to study the translation of the Holy Qur’an along with Bukhari from Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib [ra]. He also advised him to study some medicine, as this was the family pursuit.

Master Fakir Ullah sahib was his mathematics teacher. He used the blackboard to

write and explain the sums to the children. Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib thought it was useless to sit in this class, as he was unable to see the board and his sight tired quickly from staring. He attended the class as and when he felt like it. Once Master Fakir Ullah sahib complained to the Promised Messiah [as] about his poor attendance. Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib hid in fright but the Promised Messiah’s [as] reaction was very calm. He thanked the teacher for showing such deep concern for his son. He was very pleased to hear that Mian sahib managed to attend school sometimes because in his mind, he was completely unfit for study. Then the Promised Messiah [as] remarked with a laugh, that he did not expect him to run a grocery store for which he would need arithmetic. It did not matter whether he could or could not do mathematics. What

mathematics did the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] or his companions learn? It was good if he went to school but he was not to be forced.

Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] states that upon hearing this he took full advantage of the situation and almost stopped attending school; he was only seen in class once or twice a month. Hence, this was how he received his education. However, there

is no doubt he was constrained by poor health. Apart from his eyes, he also suffered from liver complaints because of which he had to eat Mung dal or spinach leaf stock for six months at a time. He also developed an enlarged spleen. Red iodide of Mercury was massaged in the area of the spleen. It was also rubbed into his neck because he had scrofula; a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially of the neck most common in children. He developed fevers that would not subside for up to six months. One can imagine the state of his education from these circumstances along with his father’s instruction to give him complete freedom with regard to school attendance!

It seems his natural inclination was towards a different kind of study altogether. When he was about ten years of age, the Promised Messiah [as] on going home after he had delivered his lecture at the Jalsa Salana (Annual Gathering) of that year, asked Mian sahib if he retained any part of the lecture. In reply Hadhrat Mian sahib at once recounted a summary of the lecture, and the Promised Messiah [as] was greatly pleased to find that he had listened with such attention as to be able to give off-hand, such a good summary. 22

This incident demonstrated the kind of study in which his interest laid, and his subsequent life furnished an eloquent testimony as to his marvellous scholarship and attainment.

POOR HAndwRITInG

Hadhrat Mir Nasir Nawab [ra] was the maternal grandfather of Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra]. Once, he asked Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib to write a few sentences in Urdu to check his standard. Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood stated that his handwriting was always poor but in those days it was so poor that one could hardly read it. He states:

“most of my children’s handwriting is better than mine. Only my daughter,

Amtur Rashid writes like me. Her writing is so bad that we once offered her a

prize of one rupee if she could read her own handwriting. This was my condition at the time that sometimes I could not even read my own handwriting!”

His grandfather became quite cross as he was quick-tempered. He tried his best but could not make head nor tail of it remarking that it was a scribble. Enraged, he stormed off to see the Promised Messiah [as]. His grandfather admonished the Promised Messiah [as] saying he did not have even the slightest care for Mahmud’s education. He presented the Urdu writing of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib as proof of his claim. He continued to admonish the Promised Messiah [as] claiming the boy’s life was being ruined.

Observing Hadhrat Mir sahib in this angry state the Promised Messiah [as] called Maulvi sahib.

Whenever the Promised Messiah [as] was presented with some difficulty he would always call for Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib. Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib had great love and affection for Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib. He came into the room and as was his way, stood to one side with his head down. The Promised Messiah [as] explained, ‘Maulvi sahib! I have called you for this purpose that Mir sahib claims it is not possible to read Mahmud’s handwriting. I wish that he be tested.’

Upon saying this, the Promised Messiah [as] lifted his pen and wrote two or three lines of text and asked Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood to copy it. This was the simple test devised by the Promised Messiah! Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood copied the writing with great care and attention. It was not a long piece of writing and it simply had to be copied which made it even easier. When the Promised Messiah [as] examined it he said, ‘I became quite concerned by Mir sahib’s statement but his handwriting is quite similar to my own.’ Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib was already in support of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib. He stated that Mir sahib had lost his temper without reason otherwise his handwriting was very good.

RELIGIOUS EdUCATIOn UndER HAdHRAT MAULvI

nOORUddIn

Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib advised Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib not to read by himself. He encouraged him to come to him for lessons. Hence, with great determination Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib read the whole Qur’an to him with translation followed by Bukhari. He did not go through the Qur’an slowly; he would only elaborate on the odd occasion, otherwise he would quickly read through the chapters. He was able to read the whole Qur’an with Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib within three months. Thereafter absences started to creep in.

After the death of the Promised Messiah [as], Hadhrat Maulvi Nooruddin sahib, Khalifatul Masih I [ra] again urged him to finish the whole of Bukhari with him. Although there were absences from time to time they persevered in fulfilment of the promise they made to the Promised Messiah [as] to complete both the Holy Qur’an and Bukhari with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra].

He learned medicine in addition to the commentary of the Holy Qur’an. He was able to complete the commentary within two months. He would sit Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib next to him. Sometimes he would read a full part of the Holy Qur’an with translation and on other occasions only a portion of it. In the same way he covered the whole of Bukhari within two to three months.

Once during Ramadan, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] gave commentary (Dars) that covered the whole Qur’an. Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib had the good fortune to be in attendance for every lesson. He was also able to read some Arabic magazines with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra]. Hence, this was the sum total of his education and it was during these days that Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib had a vision. 23

On another occasion, commenting upon the teaching technique of his revered teacher, Hadhrat Al Hajj Hakeem Maulvi Nooruddin [ra], Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] states:

“The biggest lesson Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] taught me was this that whenever I would raise a question while reading, he would state, ‘Mian keep reading. Deeply ponder this question yourself at home.’”

Hadhrat Hakeem Maulvi Nooruddin [ra] was the first elected Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community after the demise of the Promised Messiah [as]. He was renowned for his knowledge and excellence throughout the whole of India. Where he would permit others to ask questions, giving them detailed replies, he would not permit Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib the same right. One reason for this may have been that he considered Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib to be so brilliant that with some thought he could arrive at the answer by himself.

The second reason seems to be that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] considered attainment of Quranic knowledge to depend more upon God’s Grace than mere effort. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] was convinced that this child would learn the Holy Qur’an under God’s own stewardship and guidance.

Initially Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib felt that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] treated him harsher than the other students. However, the reason for this distinction slowly began to dawn on him. Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib himself recalls:

“…Hence, teaching me in this fashion, he stated, ‘whatever knowledge Nooruddin possessed he has taught it.’ There was a subtle point hidden in this statement.

A Muslim is only required to read the translation and understand it thoroughly.

The rest of the knowledge comes through God-given insight. For that one must make the necessary effort and seek it from Allah. If I had written down all I was taught by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] then where would I have found the answers to all these objections that are being raised against Islam?

Was he to live forever? No! For this reason he taught me this formula which was to prove useful even after his death.” 24

On another occasion he stated:

“Allah Almighty has now blessed me with so much knowledge …but it was he who created a relish and craving for this Book (Qur’an) and he set me on the right course concerning its commentary. And He laid such foundations upon which I was able to build a structure. For this reason I always consciously pray for him.” 25

STROnG AFFInITy FOR RELIGIOUS EdUCATIOn

Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood’s [ra] interest and inclination towards religious knowledge appears to have been completely different and distinguished from his interest in worldly knowledge. His interest in his maths class was non-existent, which he stopped attending altogether due to poor health. He did not show much interest even in the other subjects. Attendance at school became scarce. Contrast this with his interest for religious knowledge. Sometimes he would sit and wait all day in the anticipation that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] may be able to spare him a few moments from his busy schedule to teach him something new. He possessed such fervour for religious knowledge that there was no question of his physical ailments being a hindrance. In fact, the extraordinary difficulty he had to endure in this regard resulted in him being affected by further illness. Hence, he states:

“No one else could learn in the way that I learned from Hadhrat Khalifatul

Masih I. He would read half a part of Bukhari and in certain places he would elaborate on a point. Sometimes I would wait a whole day to receive tuition from him. I was unable to eat on time. This affected my digestive system. Once

I had a headache after returning from study. Mother asked me, ‘what have you been reading?’ I replied that I do not read. Only Maulvi sahib reads. My mother reported this to Maulvi sahib. Hadhrat Maulvi sahib said, ‘Mian! You should

have told me! What was the need to tell your mother?” 26

In this connection, the following account is worthy of attention as it reflects the innate affinity and high regard Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib had for religious education. Huzur relates:

“Once Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I [ra] became upset with me during the lifetime of the Promised Messiah [as]. The reason for this was that Hadhrat

Khalifatul Masih I [ra] had offered a prize for an article to be written on a subject that was not considered by some to be worthy of an award and I concurred with them. One individual harshly criticised it and someone conveyed it to Hadhrat Maulvi sahib attributing the harsh remarks to me. Maulvi sahib fell out with me. I was studying Bukhari with him in those days. I at once picked up the Bukhari and went to study with him. This was despite suffering fevers in those days, fevers that had kept me from study for many months. However, in these circumstances I thought if I do not go today a barrier will develop and

I shall be bereft of knowledge.” 27

This incident reflects another aspect of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib’s insight and sagacity. It is the realisation that in these circumstances a barrier can develop between the sage and the pupil, which can be a hindrance in the path to education. Not every child is blessed with this kind of insight. This anxiety echoes his powerful intellect and wisdom.

Apart from learning the Holy Qur’an and Bukhari lesson by lesson, Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib had the good fortune because of being in close proximity, morning and evening, to the Promised Messiah [as], of learning religious knowledge to a very reputable standard. However, this was verbal and general in its nature. It was a house in which the only topic under discussion night and day was God and His Prophet [saw]. As he grew older under the blessed influence of the Promised Messiah

[as], so did the number of those who came to Qadian for various needs. It reached the point at which Qadian became a special resort for all. Those who came included friends as well as foes but both were interested only in religious matters.

Hence, in those days for a child to be raised in the company of the Promised Messiah [as] was synonymous with enrolling at a distinguished religious training institution. Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad sahib [ra] commenting upon this period states:

“Till this day the sound of the Promised Messiah’s [as] voice is reverberating in my ears. I was young but my preoccupation was always to sit in the company of the Promised Messiah [as] and listen to his discourses.” 28

Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] describes the benefits derived from such encyclopaedic discourses:

“We heard so many issues being discussed in these gatherings that thereafter whenever we read a book of the Promised Messiah [as], it seemed as if we had heard all these things from him before. The Promised Messiah [as] had the habit of discussing in the gatherings of the morning and evening, whatever he had written during that day. For this reason we remember all his words and we clearly understand their meaning which are completely in line with the

Promised Messiah’s [as] desire and are based on his teachings.” 29

IMPRESSIOnS OF HIS TEACHERS

Finally, we will bring this account to an end by briefly outlining the impressions of two venerable teachers of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib. One important aspect of studying the life of a person is to see the student through the eyes of his teachers. Hadhrat Maulvi Sher Ali sahib [ra] was Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib’s English teacher. He taught him at home as well as at school. Giving his impressions he states:

“…Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib [ra] began to learn English from me at the age of 10 years. I was living in a house adjoining the Darul Masih Mau’ood… Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] attended English lessons for all the time I lived in this house. And I provided this service continuously over the last 10 years of the Promised Messiah’s life. This practice continued during six blossoming years of the Khilafat of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I… Although Huzur’s growing and blossoming into a fruit bearing tree happened in front of my very eyes, he was like a very fragile plant with the most tender and delicate leaves when I first saw him… “From his early childhood I observed nothing but praiseworthy attributes and laudable traits of character in Huzur’s personality. From the beginning, he possessed the lustre of piety and showed signs of righteousness that became more and more prominent as he grew older. It is possible that some may think I am biased towards him, therefore, I shall cite an incident from his early life by which people can judge for themselves what the truth is. In Huzur’s childhood the Promised Messiah [as] instructed him not to take any food or drink from anyone. Now observe how this child of tender age acts upon the Promised Messiah’s [as] guidance. “As I have stated earlier, Huzur would come to my house for tuition. This house was adjoining the house of the Promised Messiah [as]; in fact it was a part of the Promised Messiah’s [as] house. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II came to study there for three years. Whenever Huzur became thirsty, he would get up and go to his own house and return after having a drink. No matter how pure the water, no matter how clean the glass being offered to him, he would not drink it only because it was the instruction of the Promised Messiah [as]. This incident appears to be a small trifling matter but it reflects like a mirror

through which we can observe the true picture of Hadhrat Musleh Mau’ood [ra] at that time. “Firstly, one can see how completely Huzur obeyed the instructions of the Promised Messiah [as] from an early age. Secondly, we see the care he took to obey the instruction. In my opinion it was not the instruction of the Promised Messiah [as] that Huzur rejected even the water offered to him at someone’s house. However, Huzur was so obedient that apart from his own house, he would not take water from the pitcher or goblet of any other house in Qadian. This is the level of care, which in other words is called righteousness (the fear and love of Allah). Hence, just this example of conformity is proof that Huzur [ra] was treading along the subtle paths of obedience and righteousness. And this was the seed that kept growing with age and became more and more prominent until it reached the final stage of perfection. This incident with the water happened on numerous occasions and each time Huzur was steadfast in showing obedience. It is possible that some may think Huzur abstained due to shyness but this was not the case. Huzur was very informal in our house to the point where, to this day, we recall his cheerful and polite conversation with great fondness. “There is another incident from the student days of Hadhrat Sahibzada Sahib that reflects his moral condition. One day it was raining, though not heavily, when I arrived at Huzur’s house at the agreed time. I knocked on the door with the steps leading to it. Huzur [ra] opened the door. I entered the house and sat myself down in a chair on the veranda. Huzur went into another room. I assumed he would come out onto the veranda with his books. But when he did

not come out of the room I peered into it and what do I see? Huzur is prostrate in prayer. I thought that Huzur might have assumed I would not turn up because of the rain and now that I came Huzur felt the need and was offering

prayers for me. Huzur stayed in prostration offering prayers for a long time.” 30

Similarly, another teacher, Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq sahib presents his impressions in these words:

“Because I accepted Bai’at at the hands of the Promised Messiah [as] at the end of 1890, and because I continued to visit, I have been observing Hadhrat

Musleh Mau’ood [ra] from a young age; how he was always modest, wellmannered and sincere and always inclined towards the spiritual. And from a very young age he was interested in the religious affairs of the Promised Messiah [as]. Often Huzur would accompany the Promised Messiah [as] for the obligatory prayers in the Jamia Mosque and would listen to the sermon.

Once, I recall when Huzur was about ten years of age, Huzur was stood in prayers next to the Promised Messiah [as] in the Aqsa Mosque and then crying profusely in prostration. By nature he possessed the love of Allah and was fond of His prophets.” 31